Match Reaction - Susie Appleby

By Harry Scott-Munro
26/2/22

Delighted Exeter Chiefs Women’s Head Coach Susie Appleby was all smiles after watching her side produce a ten-try performance to sink rivals Worcester Warriors Women 60-7 in the Allianz Premier 15s at Sandy Park.

Hat-tricks from Merryn Doidge and Emily Tuttosi were added to by a double from Kate Zackary and tries from Jennine Detiveaux and the returning McKinley Hunt, with Meg Foster adding five conversions.

For Appleby, it was the perfect response from her team after their were undone at the death by Loughborough Lightning just seven days earlier.

“That was a really good performance from our girls and we really bounced back from last week’s disappointment,” beamed Appleby.

The Chiefs opened their account after just 30 seconds of play and never let-up, with Appleby praising the application of her side.

“The first ten minutes was just so impressive, but we then continued it, which up to now, we hadn’t been able to do. Worcester are a good side, but we really put them to the sword.”

A recent criticism of Appleby’s side has been how the game has been centred around the strength of the pack. Today though, the Chiefs showcased their attacking prowess at its free-flowing best.

“We proved that we have firepower up front but also we are capable of playing through the backs. Our attacking shape was very good, especially in the first half playing into the wind,” highlighted Appleby. “The management of the game was so much better and this was a really good win. We’ve got Darlington next week so the challenge now is to really improve that performance on the field again.”

The Head Coach also praised the work rate of Eilidh Sinclair on her first start on the wing, as well as the returning Hunt, who scored a try on her first start since September, having been a long-term injury casualty.

“There was some really great stuff out there. It was so good to see McKinley back out starting and Eilidh doing well on the wing. There were lots of changes, but it didn’t affect how we played. What I like about Eilidh is that she just goes for it. That counts for an awful lot, especially on the edge against good players. McKinley being back in a starting shirt is huge as she’s just a class player.”

Appleby also took the time to praise the home crowd, with over 1,000 spectators in the stands.

“I think the home crowd is just massive. There was over 1,000 people here today and the girls feel it. We’ve not played at home for a while now and it’s just so good to have them with us here at Sandy Park,” highlighted Appleby. “A huge thank you to all of them as they and their support is what drives our programme forward. We’d encourage everyone to come down and get behind the club. That support is just so important, and it really boosts our players on the field.”